Newsletter February 2015
Spice up your Valentine's Day with Herbal Delights from Rebecca's!A wonderful time of year to honor the cherished relationships in your life with gifts of herbal goodness. Rebecca's is here to help you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones or for simply treating yourself. Choose from a variety of Valentine's goodies, made with love right here in our kitchen. |
New Products and Promotions
Valentine’s Day SpritzerJust in time to celebrate this holiday of the heart, an aromatherapy spritzer that is sweet, spicy and sensual. With essential oils of Ylang Complete, Jasmine, Cinnamon Bark, Vetiver and Fir Balsam, this spritzer is fabulous and sexy for men and women alike.Lavender & Rose Gift BagsA truly unique, local and lovingly made Valentine’s gift, our Lavender and Rose Gift Bags are too good to pass up! Each bag contains a delightful medley of either Rose or Lavender goodness; including the Beautiful Blend, Scented Bath Salts, Infused Coconut Oils, Lip balms, Perfume rollers and Scented Shea Butters, this gift bag is sure to make its recipient feel loved and pampered.Ultimate Love Bath & Body Oil Soft, spicy and sweet, this sultry blend of Cinnamon and Jasmine essential oils in a base of Jojoba oil and Comfrey leaf infused olive oil is a balanced aphrodisiac for men and women alike. Used as a massage or bath oil, or worn as a light perfume, you are sure to bliss out with this blend.Lover’s Perfume RollerThe most natural perfume you can find! Our perfume oils are a blend of first pressing golden organic Jojoba Oil and 100% pure essential oils including Jasmine, Ginger, Vetiver & Ylang extra. Great for both men and women, this blend contains oils traditionally used as aphrodisiacs which encourage feelings of comfort, and confidence whilst making the senses more acute.Our seasonal specialty carrier oils are back!Raspberry seed oilRed Raspberry seed oil is a cold pressed, extra virgin carrier oil used in a variety of skin care recipes. High in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids in addition to many beneficial antioxidants, Red Raspberry seed oil has traditionally been used for skin repair, conditioning, and to aid in moisture retention. This carrier oil has been shown to have a range of 30-50 SPF and can be added to homemade sunblock recipes to increase protection from harmful UV rays.
Cold pressed from the seeds of a plant known as Queen Anne’s lace, Carrot seed oil has conventionally been used to rejuvenate and regenerate skin tissue. It is considered supportive for all skin types and especially for dry and mature skin. High in Vitamin A and beta-carotene, this oil has been used to balance skin complexion and to help retain moisture for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. With a lovely scent, this oil acts as a great conditioner for all hair types. Reputed to have a range of 30-40 SPF coverage, Carrot seed oil is an excellent addition to sunblock and a variety of other skin care recipes. |
ClassesBelow is our class schedule, for full class descriptions please check our website at: http://www.rebeccasherbs.com/classes/. Your space in the class is reserved once payment is received. Payment for classes is made by cash or check payable to the instructor. Please be aware that classes fill up quickly, so sign up early. Pre-registration is required.Kids Herbal Valentine’s Day!Saturday, February 7th, 10:00am-12:00pmInstructor: Ellie Martin, certified clinical herbalist Cost: $20.00 Join us for a fun interactive kid’s class. Together we will make and taste some yummy, healthy (and allergen free) herbal sweets. We will be making herbal Valentine’s Day cards and more!
Wednesday, February 11th, 6:30-8:30pm |
Herb of the Month
By Becca Wasserman, Certified Clinical Herbalist Common Name Latin Name Parts Used Medicinal Properties In Western Herbalism, Hawthorn is often referred to as a premier cardiotonic—strengthening and balancing to the heart and circulatory system. It has been traditionally used for a wide range of cardiovascular and circulatory issues, including regulating blood pressure, calming nervous heart palpitations, and supporting vascular integrity. Hawthorn is rich in antioxidants, beneficial not only for cardiovascular health but also for immune function and modulating inflammation in the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Hawthorn berries are used for food stagnation—aiding in proper digestion. The sour taste of the berry is said to contract overly-relaxed tissues, normalize digestive secretion, and increase assimilation. Hawthorn is calming to the nervous system and spirit, and has been used to soothe tension and anxiety. Energetically Hawthorn has a strong protective and magical quality, and is specifically indicated for emotional and spiritual heart-ache and grief. As their thorns indicate, Hawthorn can also be used to help work energetically with boundaries, whether they be too firm or too loose. Hawthorn is a nutritive and restorative tonic that is most supportive when used long term, 3+ months. Hawthorn is lovely when prepared with all 3 parts combined (berry, leaf, & flower), although the berries or leaves & flowers can also be used alone. Contraindications & Safety Preparations & Applications We are so excited to have some incredible local Hawthorn berries in the apothecary right now from our friends at McCauley Family Farm. Come share in their rosy-apple sweetness while they last! Recipe Hawthorne Cacao Elixir Cover and decoct (a very gentle simmer) until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. While waiting for your Hawthorn decoction, very gently heat 1 cup of honey in a double boiler or warm water bath until it becomes runny in consistency. Feel free to use a honey that has been previously infused with herbs, or toss in a few slices of raw ginger while it’s gently heating—don’t forget to remove the slices before completing your elixir! Strain your Hawthorne decoction, remove honey from heat, and combine 1 cup of decoction & 1 cup of honey. Stir in ¼ cup of Cacao tincture, and a tiny pinch of Cayenne powder (can also be prepared without Cacao tincture). Mix well. Enjoy! Note: Elixir may separate, be sure to shake well before each use. Best if kept in the fridge, although not necessary. Last about 3-6 months. Resources |
Each month one of our staff members picks an herb that they are drawn to, and shares some experiences, thoughts, medicinal uses and a bit of traditional lore about their selected plant. As each plant is unique, each Herbalist and point of view is unique. We hope you enjoy this tradition.